Indigenous peoples remain overrepresented in correctional systems worldwide. In Canada, they comprise a small share of the adult population but a substantial proportion of federal prison admissions. This reflects systemic biases in decision-making that often disregard Indigenous histories, cultures, languages, and conceptions of justice. Such biases appear in reduced opportunities for release, parole, and program completion. Risk and needs assessments, which inform many correctional decisions, frequently overestimate risk for Indigenous peoples and rely on factors not predictive for this population.

This presentation draws on a research project examining informal social control (i.e., family relationships, romantic partnerships, living arrangements, employment, and academic/vocational skills) as a protective factor against reoffending. Using a Canadian sample of Indigenous and White persons, analyses showed that while some forms of informal social control, such as supportive companions and stable housing, were protective for White participants, they were less protective or even risk-enhancing for Indigenous participants. These findings highlight that risk and protective factors are not culturally universal but shaped by structural inequality, colonial legacies, and relational worldviews.

By situating informal social control within broader discussions of culturally responsive corrections, this presentation underscores the need to move beyond one-size-fits-all models of risk assessment. Centering Indigenous perspectives and relational approaches offers pathways for justice practices that are culturally safe, community-led, and healing-informed. This work demonstrates how research-based insights can inform the development of correctional policies and programs that are more equitable, effective, and culturally relevant for Indigenous communities.

Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: Informal Social Control and Indigenous Experiences in Corrections (PID047)

Speakers

Ashley Kyne